A devastating accident occurred on February 25 during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa, New Zealand: 15-year-old driver Brooklyn Horan and his 35-year-old co-driver Tyson Jemmett tragically died when their car veered off a gravel track and plunged into a swollen river. Emergency services arrived, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
MotorSport New Zealand expressed profound sorrow, pledging to support the affected families and the wider motorsport community. The critical incident is under a full investigation, conducted in cooperation with local authorities and WorkSafe, with early indications that the road condition was not a factor.
The motorsport world has responded with deep grief and tributes. Hayden Paddon, among others, called Brooklyn “the future of our sport,” praising his talent and humility. Tyson was remembered as a passionate advocate for rallying, present at events for years and much loved by the community.
This tragic event also sparked a broader reflection on safety in junior motorsport. While New Zealand permits drivers under 16 to compete under strict conditions, the crash has prompted renewed dialogue about the balance between nurturing talent and ensuring the well-being of emerging young competitors